Autism Spectrum
What is anxiety?
Experiencing occasional anxiety is COMPLETELY NORMAL and even natural. People with anxiety disorders, however, frequently have intense, excessive and persistent worry and fear about everyday situations. They may have panic symptoms as well, including rapid breathing, sweating, trembling. These feelings of anxiety and panic interfere with daily activities, are difficult to control, are out of proportion to the actual danger, and can last a long time. There are many types of anxiety disorders like agoraphobia, generalized anxiety disorder, separation anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, selective mutism, and others.
What are some symptoms of anxiety?
Common anxiety signs and symptoms include:
When should I get help for my anxiety?
At CAYA Care, we believe everyone can benefit from gaining the tools to manage fears and worries, especially as stressors and demands increase.
How is an anxiety disorder diagnosed and treated?
To diagnose anxiety disorders, we will ask about your symptoms and medical history. We will ask about your anxiety symptoms as well as other related mental health symptoms, such as depression, PTSD, or substance use disorders. Then, we will compare your symptoms to the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) to provide an accurate diagnosis.To treat an anxiety disorder, we will likely use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT is an evidence-based treatment that teaches you different ways of thinking and behaving. It can help you change how you react to the things that cause you to feel fear and anxiety. It may include exposure therapy. This focuses on having you confront your fears so that you will be able to do the things that you had been avoiding.